Natalie & Nico in Wichita, KS

When Nico approached Natalie it wasn’t what he said that charmed Natalie, but how he said it -- in Spanish. “Nico and I immediately shared the Mexico connection,” says Natalie. “He lived there for 12 years as a child, and I studied there for two semesters in college.” Sparks flew that night, and it was only a few weeks before they were dating exclusively. The Bride Natalie Bobbitt, 28, financial manager The Groom Nico Adlung, 33, U.S. Air Force pilot The Date August 27 Their courtship was not without challenges, though: Nico was transferred to Washington, DC, in 2004. A long-distance relationship ensued, capped off by a romantic dinner one weekend while Natalie was visiting: “On the way back to Nico’s, I was a little disappointed because I thought there was a slight chance something would happen at dinner,” says Natalie. “But when we got back to his home, I got the best surprise of my life.” The room was filled with flowers, candlelight, and a ring box hidden in a pot of tulips.